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Specifying a Bulk Bag Filler

Six important Parameters to consider when looking for a Bulk Bag Filler

Specifying a Bulk Bag Filler

As the number of options for bulk bag filling equipment options increases, so should the ability of the specifier to evaluate stand-alone equipment and integrated systems against current and anticipated needs.

By:

David Boger

(ed. wgeisler - 01/6/2017)

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For products that are easily aerated, pneumatic conveying systems should be avoided, since the conveying process can cause the material to require a much lengthier densification/deaeration cycle to achieve the desired fill weight and package stability.

If sufficient headroom exists above the filler, a surge capacity equivalent to the weight of a filled bag can be employed to reduce cycle times while maintaining accurate fill weights. This configuration allows bag change-over to occur while the subsequent batch is in the process of being weighed. When a pneumatic conveyor is used as the material delivery system, the filter- receiver can be sized to hold the weight of an entire bulk bag (Fig. 7) to apply this method.

Fig. 7: If sufficient headroom exists a surge capacity equivalent to the weightof a filled bag can be employed to reduce cycle times.

For the same reason, a surge hopper above the filler can be considered when utilising mechanical metreing devices moving material to the filler from both storage vessels and plant processes.

Sanitary Requirements

While all fillers can be constructed of stainless steel with ground and polished welds, their designs can preclude sanitising according to government standards. If your application must meet sanitary requirements, your choices should be limited to designs that are accepted by the USDA Dairy Grading Branch or other agencies to which you must comply, or to which you elect to comply for assurance that sanitary conditions can be maintained.

Conclusion

With an almost unlimited combination of filler designs, features and upstream equipment from which to choose, specifiers have the ability to tailor bulk bag filling systems according to capacity requirements, expandability, safety concerns, plant hygiene considerations, ancillary filling needs, upstream equipment and sanitary standards. While numerous available options can complicate the selection process, they can also yield a highly efficient and cost effective solution to any given filling problem, providing that fundamental steps are taken to evaluate equipment against precise requirements.